"Attack from the south? Just our regiment alone?! Are they insane?!" Serena stared at the military order in disbelief.
The order was brief. In two days, the Eldian Third Regiment would launch a full assault on the southern side of Grayle Fortress. Not a single step of retreat was permitted, regardless of casualties. A Marleyan supervision unit would be present to oversee the battle.
But what truly unsettled Serena wasn't the command to attack—it was the target. The most infamous part of Grayle Fortress was the chaotic fortress complex to the south. That area had originally been a vast natural stone forest. After Grayle Fortress was constructed, the stone forest became a natural defensive system. Dozens of enormous rocks had been hollowed out, forming tens of sturdy natural strongholds.
It was the definition of easy to defend and impossible to attack. Forget two thousand men in the Eldian Third Regiment—even adding another zero might not be enough to break through the southern defenses of Grayle Fortress.
Serena turned to Yago.
"What do we do? How are we supposed to capture those southern fortresses with just us?"
Yago's face darkened. After a moment of silence, he slammed his fist onto the table in front of him. The tremendous force cracked the solid wooden surface, and even the paper bearing the order tore along with it.
"Have the troops relocate first. We'll figure the rest out later," Yago said through gritted teeth.
Serena could only nod. After she left, Yago took a deep breath.
"It seems there's only one path left."
That's right—Yago had decided to lead the Eldian Revival Army into rebellion. There was no other choice. Otherwise, sooner or later, they would all bleed out in front of the Middle Easterners' fortresses.
Upon receiving the order, the Third Regiment immediately reorganized and began marching toward the southern side of Grayle Fortress.
Behind them, a fully armed unit of Marleyan soldiers followed closely. These were the Marleyan supervision troops responsible for overseeing the Third Regiment in combat.
"You kids need to be careful. When the fighting starts, don't expose yourselves, understand? There could be stray bullets anywhere on the battlefield. One moment of carelessness and you could lose your lives." Airi Ambers, who had seen combat before, was giving a quick crash course on battlefield survival tips to several Warrior candidates.
These were practical lessons she'd picked up from veteran soldiers who had survived numerous wars on the front lines. Yago happened to pass by and was drawn in, slowing his pace to listen alongside the candidates.
"If you suddenly feel a sharp sting somewhere on your body, don't hesitate—drop to the ground immediately. If you can find cover, get behind it as fast as you can. You haven't officially become Marleyan Warriors yet. One stray bullet could take your lives."
Hearing this, Yago couldn't help but laugh.
"So these are tips gathered by cowards, right? What, you Warrior candidates of Marley don't even have the resolve to die for Marley? That's disappointing."
He spoke deliberately with mockery. Airi fell silent, somewhat embarrassed. After all, the advice had indeed come from frontline veterans—little tricks for staying alive.
But the foremost requirement for a Marleyan Warrior seemed to be loyalty to Marley. Framing the candidates' role as simply staying alive did sound… somewhat off.
Airi had never gone through the formal Warrior selection process, so she didn't truly know its inner workings. Loyalty was indeed important—but protecting the Warrior candidates was equally vital. Training a Warrior candidate was no simple matter for Marley. Each one represented years of effort and resources. They weren't meant to die casually on the battlefield.
Colonel Koslow had always insisted on sending the candidates to the front lines, but he had no intention of having them carry rifles and charge fortresses like ordinary Eldians. Instead, he wanted to use the cruelty of war to deepen their loyalty to Marley.
But Colonel Koslow, who understood this inner truth, had already been "honorably" wounded and hospitalized. Before entering the hospital, he had subtly conveyed this secret to Yago.
Yet Yago wasn't Marleyan. Why should he consider Marley's interests?
After Yago's taunt, a defiant voice rang out.
"Officer Loya! You underestimate the courage of us Warrior candidates! We'll prove ourselves on the battlefield!"
Yago looked over. Gabi had overcome the fear in her heart and chosen to face him stubbornly. Her expression wavered briefly before turning firm.
Inspired by her, the other candidates beside her also steeled themselves and declared their loyalty to Marley.
Yago chuckled softly, lowering his voice so only he could hear.
"Is that so? You'd better mean it. The more loyal you are to Marley… the stronger my urge to kill you becomes."
Soon, the Eldian Third Regiment arrived at their temporary position south of Grayle Fortress. From the high ground, what met their eyes was that chaotic stone forest. Countless rocks of varying sizes jutted up from the earth, and among them lay dozens of Middle Eastern strongholds.
The stone forest was a meat grinder. No matter how many troops entered, it would devour them.
Yet the soldiers of the Third Regiment had no choice but to obey orders. The Eldian Revival Army members within the regiment dared not act without instructions from Serena.
Time passed quickly.
Night fell. The Third Regiment and the Marleyan supervision unit behind them began cooking and settling down to rest.
But when a soldier went to call Yago and Serena for dinner, he was surprised to find that both had seemingly vanished from the camp.
A note remained inside the tent, stating that Yago and Serena had gone to survey the battlefield conditions.
As a result, no one thought much of it.
...
Meanwhile, far from the encampment, in a secluded valley, Yago and Serena were discussing their battle plan.
"No pointless sacrifices, Serena. We stick to our plan. Once the battle begins the day after tomorrow, the entire Third Regiment holds position. We eliminate the supervision unit first, as quickly as possible. Then we assess the situation. If we're exposed, we move immediately to the nearest Tepar Station, hijack a train, and withdraw at once."
"If we really do this… what about the families of the Third Regiment's soldiers in the Liberio internment zone?" Serena voiced the concern that had long weighed on her heart.
Yago sighed.
"I'll try contacting a friend's organization. When the time comes, we'll rely on them to create an opportunity in Marley's capital."
"A friend's organization? What organization?"
"The Marleyan Volunteer Army."
"What?" Serena was stunned. She had never even heard of such an organization.
But this was Yago's only option now.
Just as he and Serena were discussing further details, the faintest sound from behind caught Yago's attention.
"Who's there?!"